5 Hidden Gems To Drink Now

Here's a round up of some our best 'Under the Radar" natural wines. Either from lesser known producers or just bottles that are not getting the attention they deserve, here is your chance to get your hands on some hidden gems...

Volandeira 2023

Constantina Sotelo produces a vast array of wines, predominantly from the Albariño grape. She's a maverick in her region of Galicia where the majority of winemakers fall into the conventional category and whilst that means she is somewhat shunned by that world, the natural wine scene embraces her with open arms. We drank a bottle of this cuvée the other day and someone announced with glee "It's like Albariño from the Jura!". Packed with intense minerals and citrus, you can see why. The grapes are grown right by the sea so you really feel the influence of the ocean with oyster shell aromas and a strong saline character. Punching so far above it's price point, you really shouldn't miss out on this!

La Barbacana 2022

Everyone loves Bodega La Senda for his 1984, Vindemiatrix, and now, CHAMPIONES! cuvées but this wine made from 100% Alicante Bouschet grapes is the unsung hero. Offering loads of depth and complexity, this medium bodied red has touches of earth and spice and is brilliantly balanced. 

XP

Another wine from Spain! Maybe not a surprise as the entire natural wine scene is criminally underrated outside of the country itself. Take Barranco Oscuro for example. Widely regarded as one of the Godfathers of natural wine but barely mentioned in the UK, his wines are unmissable! This is a particularly special cuvée made with Pedro Ximenez grapes across four different vintages and then aged under a veil of flor. The layers of complexity will send you somewhere very nice indeed. Oxidative white wine that drinks like the best Fino you ever tasted.

Grubersbukel 2023

Next up, something from Martin Hirsch, a new winemaker in the German village of Kitzingen, Franconia. Made with Pinot Gris grapes that were macerated for 5 days, this wine is peachy-pink in the glass and shines with minerals, pink grapefruit and lemon. A delightful skin contact wine that gets us excited from Martin's future releases.

MBXXII 2022

Finally to Muscadet, a region that is often overlooked. If you are expecting a run-of-the-mill, easy drinker here, think again! Despite retailing for only £23, this white wine has a wild but balanced character that will have you checking you haven't accidentally opened a bottle of elite Chenin Blanc. This could be our best kept secret on the store...until now!

There you go, grab yourself something you don't know today and give that a palate the enjoyment it deserves...

Happy drinking!